Peter Vance “Bucky” Ritzel, 85, of Lusby, MD, passed away at his residence on July 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. Born on June 10, 1940, in Charlottesville, VA, he was the beloved son of the late Beaulah and Peter Ritzel, Sr.

Bucky proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 until his retirement in 1980 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he was honored with numerous awards, including the NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Service Award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Five Bronze Service Stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Campaign Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

While stationed overseas, Bucky met the love of his life, Star (Dow) Ritzel, whom he married on July 1, 1968, in Bangkok, Thailand. Together, they built a remarkable life rooted in love, hard work, and service to others. After his military retirement, Bucky and Star co-owned and operated Star’s Boutique from 1979 to 2001, growing it into three thriving salon locations across Maryland. Bucky managed the behind-the-scenes operations—bookkeeping, supply management, and property maintenance—while always keeping things running with his quiet determination and tireless work ethic.

Never one to stay still, Bucky applied the same care and precision to the family homes in Dunkirk and Lusby, personally handling all landscaping and maintenance. A man of strong values shaped by his military service, he instilled discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility in his children and grandchildren.

Beyond his family and career, Bucky’s heart extended far beyond borders. He and Star adopted and raised Patrick and Bonnie, sponsored numerous children and adults from Thailand, and were devoted supporters of humanitarian efforts there. For many years, they made annual trips to Ubon, Thailand, delivering care packages and meals to homeless children—a mission they continued faithfully until Bucky’s Parkinson’s disease made travel too difficult four years ago.

Though his later years were challenged by declining mobility, Bucky’s memory remained sharp, often recounting vivid stories from his past with clarity and humor. In his final days, he was comforted by the presence of those he loved most.

Bucky is survived by his wife of 57 years, Star Ritzel of Lusby, MD; his children, Patrick Ritzel and Wife Staci of Kiel, WI, Art Ritzel and daughter Elisa of Seattle, WA, Potchanee Ritzel of Clinton, MD, Bonnie Harris and her children of Lusby, MD, and Hia family: Orawan, Atsawin and Kirk Hia of Woodbridge, VA; goddaughter  Nancy Luke-Turner (Gregory) and son Timothy of Waldorf, MD; granddaughter Breanee “Sgt Muffin” Mckenzie and son Onyx McKenzie with a total of four great-grandchildren and counting with the most recent being named Forrest Buckley Ritzel after his grandfather.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 12:00 noon until the time of funeral services at 1:00 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Bucky will be laid to rest with full military honors on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:15 AM at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

Peter “Bucky” Ritzel leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering dedication—a life that touched many and continues to inspire all who knew him.